Adam Schefter: A “Plotting” NFL Front Office Has Vikings Edge Rusher in Crosshairs
Back in March, ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news that Jonathan Greenard was within the NFL trade chatter. Since then, there hasn’t been much firm news apart from revelations about interest not amounting to the veteran getting moved.
Schefter has tossed up his next round of insight within the longer piece titled “2026 NFL Draft Intel, Notes.” Scrolling down into the portion about the Philadelphia Eagles means gaining new insight about the Greenard situation. Powerful people in the City of Brotherly Love have interest in the star edge rusher, says the NFL insider.
Adam Schefter on Greenard to Eagles Trade Rumor
A major part of the intrigue is that the Eagles appear to be cooking up a bold move.
Kick it over to Schefter: “League sources say that general manager Howie Roseman is plotting to make a deal on draft weekend. Roseman usually has a trick or two up his sleeve, and other front office executives suspect there’s one coming this week.”
Shortly thereafter, Schefter describes how “the Eagles have checked in on [Greenard] at various points this offseason.” Meanwhile, Minnesota has been keen to receive a certain level of compensation: “The Vikings have been adamant about getting a premium Day 2 pick for Greenard. Philadelphia holds pick Nos. 54, 68 and 98 on Day 2 this year.”
A final insight from the Adam Schefter piece: “League sources say the Eagles and Vikings could revisit discussions they already have had during the upcoming draft, but talks have lost steam in recent weeks. The Eagles’ wish list of trade candidates goes well beyond Greenard, per sources, though. Roseman almost always has a Plan A, B, C and D, and his team is one to monitor on one of the busiest weekends of the NFL calendar.”
Okay, a few ideas that are worth highlighting to help with digestion.
The Philadelphia Eagles are a frisky team that’s unafraid of making a bold move (or two). Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is underpaid, in the prime of his career, and wants a raise. Even better when it comes to dot connecting, the Eagles could use some help at edge rusher.
Schefter’s insight clarifies that there has already been some groundwork done on a deal since each front office has had discussions. Minnesota knows what Philadelphia was willing to pay. It’s very unlikely to Minnesota will back down now by agreeing to a previous low-ball offer. Instead, Philadelphia would need to raise the offer for Mr. Greenard.
What that could mean — note: could — is that the Eagles bump up the offer of the No. 98 pick (a late 3rd) to No. 54 or No. 68. Doing so would mean shipping out a 2nd or an earlier 3rd.
Doing so would come with an implication: Greenard would get new money on the tail end of things. Indeed, the Eagles aren’t going to ship out a precious pick unless they know they’re getting a soldier who is ready to jump into battle. That means having done the due diligence to get the necessary reassurance about what kind of pay bump will be needed for Greenard once he gets to Philly.
The benefit for Minnesota is that the cap would see another $12.25 million in wiggle room tossed into the mix ($9.9 million in dead money, per OTC). Plus, the 2027 budget onward would be totally free of any Jonathan Greenard charges. Moreover, there would be the draft selection that’s added, a coveted pick to scoop up a coveted player.
The downside is losing a very good defender, someone who makes the team far better. Being able to promote Dallas Turner means that Minnesota isn’t in panic mode, but there’s currently a large gap between the young fella and the elder statesman. Plus, the edge rusher depth isn’t formidable.
If deadlines make deals — as the saying goes around the NFL — the 2026 NFL Draft is an event to watch for in the Jonathan Greenard sweepstakes. The Eagles look like the team that’s most likely to make a move for the rugged, all-effort pass rusher.
